Krillin stood up slowly, his body aching from the bruises of the recent battle. His breaths were ragged, and every step felt heavy, yet his mind was racing faster than ever.
He turned to the others, his face grim.
"Guys… that metal-bodied thing—what exactly was it? Who was behind that machine?"
Tien, still catching his breath, folded his arms, his expression serious.
"I don't know. But… one thing's clear. It asked about Goku."
At the mention of that name, Piccolo snapped his gaze toward Tien, his sharp eyes narrowing.
"Goku?" he asked in a low, suspicious tone.
Tien nodded firmly.
"Yes. I don't know why, but it clearly had some business with him."
Krillin clenched his fists, his thoughts spiraling. After a moment, he spoke in a heavy voice.
"That's strange… but my gut is telling me something. That thing didn't just want information—it was after Goku's life."
"What!?" Yamcha laughed nervously, trying to brush away the tension. He waved a hand casually.
"Come on, Krillin. Don't be ridiculous. Why would anyone—anyone—want to kill Goku of all people?"
Chiaotzu chimed in softly, his small face filled with innocence.
"Yeah… Goku's always friendly with everyone. He's saved Earth countless times. Who in their right mind would want to harm him? It doesn't make sense."
Krillin turned toward them, shaking his head. His voice rose slightly, frustration breaking through.
"I know, I know… But think about it! Goku's not just some regular guy. He was the champion of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament! That kind of spotlight doesn't just bring admiration—it also sparks jealousy. Enemies are bound to appear. And don't forget…"
His eyes darkened as he continued,
"…the Red Ribbon Army. They swore revenge on Goku long ago. What if… what if this 'metal body' was one of their creations? Another machine, built solely to destroy him?"
For a moment, silence fell across the group. The weight of Krillin's theory pressed against them.
Piccolo's frown deepened. His cape swayed slightly as he turned away, unwilling to continue the discussion. Without saying another word, he walked off into the shadows, his figure soon disappearing from sight.
Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu exchanged uncertain glances. None of them could dismiss Krillin's words, but none could fully accept them either.
Krillin exhaled heavily, trying to shake off the tension.
"…Either way, we should heal up first. Let's head back to Korin's tower. We'll recover with the senzu beans. We'll need our strength for whatever's coming next."
The group agreed quietly, still unsettled, and began their journey back toward Korin's lookout.
---
Far above them, another figure had been watching. Hidden among the clouds, Rudra observed the scene with a faint smile. His eyes gleamed with a calculating light.
He made sure Kami's attention wasn't on him—he was cautious, always careful to move only when the Z Fighters were busy, or when the Guardian of Earth was distracted. Today had been perfect.
Slipping silently into the shadows, Rudra appeared within a concealed base, where the hum of machines filled the air. Screens flickered with streams of data, and standing amidst the chaos was none other than Dr. Gero, the twisted genius of the Red Ribbon Army.
Rudra's smirk widened.
"So… did you get the information you were looking for?"
Dr. Gero adjusted his glasses, his wrinkled face pulling into a cruel grin.
"Yes… I did. Not only do I now have Goku's data… but I've also gathered valuable information on Piccolo as well."
He tapped a terminal, and holographic schematics lit up—energy readings, battle patterns, genetic codes. Yet his voice carried a note of irritation.
"However… Android 15 proved far too weak. He failed to obtain Piccolo's blood sample. That was a major loss."
Rudra leaned casually against the wall, his tone calm, almost amused.
"Is that so? Hah… Don't worry about it. Sooner or later, we'll get what we need. Piccolo won't escape forever. Within a few months, the chance will come again."
Dr. Gero's eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Yes. And when that happens… the perfect androids will rise. And then… Goku will finally fall."
Rudra's smirk lingered, but his eyes turned colder. Deep within, he wasn't just following Gero's plans blindly—he had his own motives, his own reasons. But for now, he played the part. For now, it was enough to let the storm brew.
And so, while the Z Fighters tended to their wounds, unaware of the true scale of what was coming… shadows of revenge and destruction began to spread silently across the Earth.